Nature on the
Central Coast
Central Coast
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The Central Coast is a naturalist's paradise. From the rich life-giving waters of Morro Bay Estuary to the incredibly dramatic geology of Big Sur, it offers an abundance of natural wonders found no where else on the planet. California's Central Coast is home to the Coastal Redwood, the tallest tree in the world; and the California Condor, the largest bird in North America. Sea Otters frolick in its kelp beds while the Northern Elephant Seal slumbers on its shores. The Pygmy Oaks in Los Osos are found only on the Central Coast. Over 600 species of birds pass through our area as they travel the Pacific flyway. California Gray Whales, dolphins and other marine life can be spotted from the beautiful bluffs of Montana de Oro State Park. |
The Monterey Bay Marine National Sanctuary ranges from north of San Francisco southward to a point off Cambria's
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. It could be expanded along the North Central Coast to include Davidson Seamount, one of
the nation's largest undersea mountains. Davidson would be the first seamount of its kind to be included in any
sanctuary in the country. However, with the mountain's peak at 4,000 feet below sea level, most people will never see it.
The plan would increase the nation's largest marine sanctuary by 585 nautical miles - a 15 percent expansion. Adding
the seamount would protect it from the harvesting of coral and sponges, mineral exploration and the dumping of waste.
the new Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Cove brings the seamount closer to home by highlighting recent
discoveries.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. It could be expanded along the North Central Coast to include Davidson Seamount, one of
the nation's largest undersea mountains. Davidson would be the first seamount of its kind to be included in any
sanctuary in the country. However, with the mountain's peak at 4,000 feet below sea level, most people will never see it.
The plan would increase the nation's largest marine sanctuary by 585 nautical miles - a 15 percent expansion. Adding
the seamount would protect it from the harvesting of coral and sponges, mineral exploration and the dumping of waste.
the new Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Cove brings the seamount closer to home by highlighting recent
discoveries.
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| The Davidson Seamount is named for George Davidson, who was a member of the first California Geological Survey. It was named in 1938, after having been located in 1932. |
